Peters anomaly

What is Peters anomaly?

Peters anomaly is characterized by eye problems that occur in an area at the front part of the eye known as the anterior segment. The anterior segment consists of structures including the lens, the colored part (iris) of the eye, and the clear covering of the eye (cornea). During development of the eye, the elements of the anterior segment form separate structures. However, in Peters anomaly, development of the anterior segment is abnormal, leading to incomplete separation of the cornea from the iris or the lens. As a result, the cornea is cloudy (opaque), which causes blurred vision. The opaque area (opacity) of the cornea varies in size and intensity from a small, faint streak to a large, white cloudy area that covers the front surface of the eye. Additionally, the location of the opacity varies; the cloudiness may be at the center of the cornea or off-center. Large, centrally located opacities tend to cause poorer vision than smaller, off-center ones.

Nearly half of the individuals affected with Peters anomaly have low vision early in life and about a quarter are legally blind. Due to a lack of visual stimulation, some individuals develop "lazy eye" (amblyopia). Peters anomaly is often associated with other eye problems, such as increased pressure within the eye (glaucoma), clouding of the lens (cataract), and unusually small eyeballs (microphthalmia). In most cases, Peters anomaly is bilateral, which means that it affects both eyes, although the level of vision impairment may be different in each eye. These individuals may have eyes that do not point in the same direction (strabismus). In some people with Peters anomaly, corneal clouding improves over time leading to improved vision.

There are two types of Peters anomaly, which are distinguished by their signs and symptoms. Peters anomaly type I is characterized by an incomplete separation of the cornea and iris and mild to moderate corneal opacity. Type II is characterized by an incomplete separation of the cornea and lens and severe corneal opacity that may involve the entire cornea.

How common is Peters anomaly?

The exact prevalence of Peters anomaly is unknown. This condition is one of a group of disorders known as congenital corneal opacities, which affect 3 to 6 individuals per 100,000.

What genes are related to Peters anomaly?

Mutations in the FOXC1, PAX6, PITX2, or CYP1B1 gene can cause Peters anomaly. The FOXC1, PAX6, and PITX2 genes are all members of a family called homeobox genes that direct the formation of many parts of the body. These three genes are involved in the development of the anterior segment of the eye. The CYP1B1 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that is active in many tissues, including the eye. The enzyme's role in these tissues is unclear; it is likely involved in the development of the anterior segment.

Mutations in any of these four genes disrupt development of the anterior segment of the eye. These mutations can lead to severe developmental problems, such as incomplete separation of eye structures and complete corneal opacity, or they can result in minor eye abnormalities including small, faint opacities. It is likely that mutations that cause a complete absence of protein function result in the most severe eye problems. It is unknown why both eyes are affected in some cases and in others only one eye is abnormal.

In many cases of Peters anomaly, there is no mutation identified in any of these four genes. The cause of the condition in these cases is unknown.

How do people inherit Peters anomaly?

Most cases of Peters anomaly are sporadic, which means that they occur in people with no apparent history of the disorder in their family. In many of these sporadic cases the genetic cause of the condition is unknown. However, some of these cases are caused by a new mutation in one of the previously mentioned genes or by the inheritance of a mutation from unaffected parents. In rare cases, the condition (or related eye disorders) has been reported to occur in multiple members of the same family.

Whether sporadic or inherited, when Peters anomaly is caused by mutations in the CYP1B1 gene, it follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Autosomal recessive inheritance means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. When caused by mutations in the FOXC1, PAX6, or PITX2 gene, the condition follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Peters anomaly?

These resources address the diagnosis or management of Peters anomaly and may include treatment providers.

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.